Will Darnold Head to Seattle? On Vikings 1st & SKOL, hosts Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano analyze the QB situation, and recent moves like Aaron Jones’ deal, and break down defensive needs before NFL tampering begins.
In this episode of Two Old Bloggers, Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano deliver a comprehensive preview of the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason strategy on this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, partnered with the Fans First Sports Network. Recorded hours before the NFL legal tampering period begins, the hosts analyze Sam Darnold’s imminent free agency departure after the Vikings skipped the franchise tag, projecting a $30-35 million AAV [Average Annual Value] deal elsewhere, likely with the Seattle Seahawks. They spotlight J.J. McCarthy’s rise as the 2025 starter, discuss Aaron Jones’ $20 million extension and Theo Jackson’s $12.6 million deal possibly signaling Cam Bynum’s exit, and explore backup QB options like Gardner Minshew. The episode also covers the Chicago Bears’ trades easing Vikings’ O-line pursuits and offers an exhaustive defensive positional analysis, targeting free agents like Levi Onwuzurike and draft prospects like Derrick Harmon.
Key Points:
- Sam Darnold’s Future: Vikings didn’t tag Darnold; he’s expected to sign a 3-year, $30-35M AAV deal, likely with Seattle, ending his Minnesota tenure.
- J.J. McCarthy Era: McCarthy’s set to start in 2025; backup options include Daniel Jones (if not a starter elsewhere) or Gardner Minshew post-Vegas release.
- Roster Moves: Aaron Jones re-signs for 2 years, $20M ($13M guaranteed); Theo Jackson’s 2-year, $12.6M deal suggests Cam Bynum’s departure.
- Bears’ Impact: Trades for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney reduce competition for Vikings’ interior O-line targets in free agency and draft.
- Defensive Analysis: Needs include a pass-rushing DT (e.g., Onwuzurike, B.J. Hill), cornerbacks (Carlton Davis, Paulson Adebo), and draft picks like Harmon at #24.
Listen:
Watch:
Vikings fans, don’t sleep on this explosive Two Old Bloggers episode! Darren and Dave serve up the juiciest takes on Sam Darnold’s exit, J.J. McCarthy’s takeover, and how the Vikings will reload their defense for 2025. With free agency fireworks just hours away and the draft on the horizon, this Vikings 1st & SKOL show is your front-row seat to the SKOL revolution. Will Seattle snag Darnold? Can Kwesi Adofo-Mensah work his magic again? Hit play now on Vikings 1st & SKOL and join the ride—your Vikings obsession demands it!
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